Sample contract language

an LEA can use when ordering textbooks

From NationalCenter on Accessible Instructional Materials (

“By agreeing to deliver the materials marked with “NIMAS” on this contract or purchase order, the publisher agrees to prepare and submit, on or before __/__/__ a NIMAS file set to the NIMAC that complies with the terms and procedures set forth by the NIMAC. The publisher also agrees to mark up materials eligible for NIMAS submission that contain mathematical and scientific instructional content by using the Math ML3 (refer to latest applicable version) module of the DAISY/NIMAS Structure Guidelines as posted and maintained at the DAISY Consortium website ( Should the vendor be a distributor of the materials and not the publisher, the distributor agrees to notify the publisher immediately of its obligation to submit NIMAS filesets of the purchased products to the NIMAC. The files will be used for the production of alternate formats as permitted under the law for students with print disabilities. This is page __ of __ of this contract or purchase order.”

From NYSED 11/06 guidance document entitled “National Instructional Materials Accessibility Standard (NIMAS) and National Instructional Materials Access Center (NIMAC) [Additional Assurance Required for IDEA Part B Grant]:

“By agreeing to deliver the materials marked with “NIMAS” on this contract or purchase order, the publisher agrees to submit a valid NIMAS file set to NIMAC at the American Printing House for the Blind, Inc. (APH). Should the vendor be a distributor of the materials and not the publisher, the distributor agrees to immediately notify the publisher of its obligation to submit NIMAS file sets of the purchased products to NIMAC. This is page __ of __ of this contract or purchase order.”

From another state based on discussion amongst the AIM Consortium:

“The publisher will provide or make available for purchase in lieu of the printed textbook an accessible version (e.g. RTF, unlocked PDF, DAISY) for students who have print disabilities and are unable to access printed text. If not available at this time, an accessible version may be created by the district for the sole purpose of making the textbook accessible to eligible students as required to provide a free, appropriate public education (FAPE). A standard copy of the textbook will also be purchased for those students until such a time a commercial option is available. The ______school district requires accessible instructional materials in order to meet the needs of students with print disabilities and preference will be given to publishers who offer accessible textbooks as an option.”

  • For additional information about NIMAS, please refer to
  • For additional information about the NIMAC, refer to